#230 Spring Cleaning: Keep Apps and Devices Up to Date

April 30, 2014

It’s important to keep apps and operating systems up to date so that your devices are free from bugs and security vulnerabilities. Here are some brief instructions on how to update your operating system and apps on Android and iOS devices.

Operating System Updates

System updates can be time consuming. Depending on how large the update is, system updates could take up to 30 minutes or a full hour.

IMPORTANT:Please back up your devices before applying an operating system update! Staying up to date is important, but its always a good idea to have backups available of your files. Here are instructions on how to backup iOS devices and Android devices.

Android

Open your applications folder and tap Settings

Tap About Phone (sometimes labeled Device Info)

Tap System Updates (sometimes labeled Software Update)*

If an update is available, tap Download and Install

*Some devices may have a software update option listed on the first page of Settings.

iOS

Launch the Settings app

Tap General

Tap Software Update

If an update is available, tap Download and Install

App Updates

Updating apps eliminates bugs and security vulnerabilities. Here are some instructions on how to update your apps manually or through an auto update feature.

Android

Launch the Google Play store

Tap the Play Store logo in the top left

Tap “My apps”

Either choose apps one by one and update individually or tap Update All in the top right

Alternatively, you can enable auto updating for Android apps so you no longer have to periodically check the Google Play store. Here is how to enable auto updating on Android:

Launch the Google Play store

Tap the Play Store logo in the top left

Tap Settings

Under the section labeled “General”, tap “Auto update apps” and choose either update at any time or update over Wi-Fi only depending on what suits your data plan

iOS

Launch App Store

Tap on the Updates tab

Either tap Update next to each app individually or tap Update All in the top left

You can also enable auto updating for iOS apps so you no longer have to check the App Store. Here is how to enable auto updating on iOS: